General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Nigeria, revealed that Bello Turji, a notorious terrorist leader, has expressed his willingness to surrender. This development comes after a series of successful military operations that have significantly weakened Turji’s group.
General Musa made the statement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, noting that the recent military actions had dealt a substantial blow to Turji’s forces.
Musa confirmed that the military had taken out many key figures in Turji’s inner circle, including his second-in-command and several of his closest allies. As a result, Turji is reportedly feeling the pressure and has been forced to release many of his followers.
“They (terrorists) are within the communities; the people know them. So, sometimes when they see them, before you get the information, it’s like two hours – the man has moved. So, when the information gets to you before you move, he has left that area,” General Musa explained.
He continued, “But I can tell you, we have taken out his second in command, we have taken out most of his lieutenants, in fact, he is forced now to release most of the people under him. I am telling you that recently he is beginning to say that he doesn’t want anything, he is ready to surrender.”
However, despite this potential change of heart from Turji, General Musa made it clear that individuals involved in the killing of innocent citizens will not be spared. He stated that there is no room for negotiation for those responsible for such atrocities.
“We want to take everybody out. Anybody who has killed should go, people like him should not be allowed to stay,” Musa added.
This announcement follows recent military successes in the region. On Wednesday, troops from Operation Fansan Yamma reported significant progress in their operations against Turji’s forces.
Among those neutralized in the attack were Aminu Kanawa, Turji’s second-in-command, as well as other prominent members of his group, including Turji’s younger brother, Dosso, and one of his closest allies, Danbokolo.
The military also announced the deaths of several key commanders from Turji’s faction, such as Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, and Kabiru Gebe, among others. Additionally, over 24 terrorists who were fleeing from Turji’s camp in areas like Gebe and Isa in Sokoto State and Gidan Rijiya in Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State, were also neutralized.
